Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Falcons are swift, powerful and agile birds of prey, known for their diving abilities. Their streamlined shape includes long, pointed wings and long narrow tails. In Nova Scotia, there are 3 members of the falcon family: American kestrel, merlin and the rare peregrine falcon. Females are larger than males with an adult female being 46 to 54 cm in size and an adult male is about 20 percent smaller.

Peregrine falcons breed in most regions from Alaska to South America and Norway to Australia. They typically nest on cliff ledges near water and an abundant source of prey. They dig out hollows in rocks, gravel and soil to keep their eggs from rolling off the cliff.

The peregrine falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world and is sometimes called the duck hawk. It feeds on songbirds, shorebirds, seabirds, pigeons and ducks. In a dive after prey, the peregrine has been timed at speeds up to 290 km per hour. Prey is often struck so powerfully by the large taloned feet that it is killed instantly in the air.

In the mid 1960's, peregrine falcon populations were virtually wiped out in eastern North America by the effects of pesticides, especially DDT. They are designated as a species at risk in Canada and are fully protected.

Reintroduction of captive peregrine nestlings was started in the Maritimes in 1982. Birds are now nesting in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, however, they migrate south and may be exposed to pesticides in Latin American countries where they winter.

The birds of prey in the Park have been injured and cannot be returned to their natural habitat.